Ford Faces Lawsuit Over EcoBoost Engine Issues

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Ford EcoBoost 2.7L and 3.0L V6 engines have a defect that can cause engine failure, and Ford failed to disclose the issue to consumers.

Consumers Affected: Owners of Ford and Lincoln vehicles with 2.7L and 3.0L EcoBoost engines, including the Ford Bronco, Ford Edge, Ford Explorer, Ford F-150, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Nautilus.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

A lawsuit has been filed against Ford Motor Company regarding alleged defects in the EcoBoost 2.7L and 3.0L V6 engines. Plaintiffs Matthew Barkus and Dan Silberman, owners of a 2021 Ford F-150 and a 2021 Ford Bronco, claim they were not informed about the potential for engine problems before purchasing their vehicles.

Ford EcoBoost Engines Allegedly Have Intake Valve Defect

Filed December 12, 2024, the lawsuit alleges that Ford failed to notify buyers about intake valve defects in vehicles equipped with 2.7L and 3.0L EcoBoost engines. These defects reportedly increase the risk of cracked or broken valves, which can result in engine failure. Both plaintiffs argue they would not have purchased the vehicles, or would have paid less, had they been made aware of the issue.

Though neither plaintiff has experienced engine failure, they seek compensation for what they describe as overpayment for vehicles they believe were misrepresented. The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $5 million, citing the need for remedies that go beyond the extended warranties and recall Ford has already issued.

NHTSA Investigation and Recall of Ford EcoBoost Engines

In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began investigating EcoBoost engine complaints after receiving petitions from affected consumers. The investigation was later expanded to include several Ford and Lincoln models manufactured between 2021 and 2022. Vehicles named in the investigation include the Ford Bronco, Ford Edge, Ford Explorer, Ford F-150, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Nautilus.

Ford issued a recall in September 2024, instructing dealers to test affected engines and replace them if necessary. According to the recall notice, the intake valves in these engines are prone to cracking due to manufacturing defects, including grinding burns and improper hardness at specific locations. The recall also provided an extended warranty covering 10 years or 150,000 miles for vehicles with these engines.

Lawsuit Alleges Ford's Remedies Are Insufficient

The lawsuit claims that the recall and extended warranty do not adequately address the problem. Plaintiffs argue that Ford has not offered a comprehensive replacement program for the defective valves or provided compensation for diminished vehicle value. They contend that the automaker’s actions fall short of resolving the underlying issue, leaving many consumers at risk.

“Ford has yet to provide an adequate remedy, such as a replacement of their defective valves, or compensate consumers for the amount they overpaid for these defective vehicles,” the lawsuit claims.

Models named in the lawsuit and recall include:

• 2021-2022 Ford Bronco
• 2021-2022 Ford F-150
• 2021-2022 Ford Edge
• 2021-2022 Ford Explorer
• 2021-2022 Lincoln Nautilus
• 2021-2022 Lincoln Aviator

Ford Faces Other Lawsuits Over Vehicle Defects

This case is one of several lawsuits filed against Ford in recent years. Earlier in 2024, Ford faced allegations that certain Explorer, Aviator, and Corsair models were equipped with faulty 360-degree camera systems. Plaintiffs in that case claim the cameras experienced glitches and failures, rendering them unreliable.

In the Ford EcoBoost engine class action lawsuit, the plaintiffs assert that Ford violated consumer protection laws by failing to disclose known defects. Additionally, the lawsuit accuses Ford of negligence, misrepresentation, and breaching its warranties. It seeks damages for financial losses, as well as measures to ensure all affected vehicles are fully repaired.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Barkus, et al., v. Ford Motor Company
• Case Number: 2:24-cv-13310
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• E. Powell Miller and Dennis A. Lienhardt (The Miller Law Firm, P.C)
• Adam J. Levitt, John E. Tangren, and Daniel R. Ferri (DiCello Levitt LLP)
• Joel D. Smith and Yeremy O. Krivoshey (Smith Krivoshey, PLLC)

Do you own a Ford or Lincoln vehicle with an EcoBoost engine? Share your experience in the comments below.